Summer stock theatre is any theatre that presents stage productions primarily in the summer. The name combines the season with the tradition of staging shows by a resident company, reusing stock scenery and costumes. It is often viewed as a starting point for professional actors.

Millbrook Playhouse is in Mill Hall, PA, off Route 80 in Central PA. It is 3.5 hours from New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, 2 hours to Pittsburgh, and 4 hours to Washington, D.C. We are 45 minutes to State College (home of Penn State) and 25 minutes from Williamsport (the closest Starbucks.)

Yes, it’s a barn! It was constructed over 125 years ago as a dairy farm, they converted it into a single-stage theatre in 1963, and in the 80s, a cabaret theatre opened in the once old milking station. The two theatres are the Ryan Main Stage, a 235-seat three-quarter thrust, and the Poorman Cabaret, a 100-seat black box. We also have a small stage in the Courtyard, aka the lobby and bar area.

In recent years, Millbrook has scaled back the number of summer productions. We now host two to three mainstage shows and two to four cabaret performances, which may include both plays and musicals. Additionally, we often produce a Saturday-morning TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) kids’ show and a late Saturday-night courtyard cabaret. We also offer a summer theatre camp for kids, teens, and occasionally adults.

During the off-season, we present one fall production and a holiday show featuring the Millbrook Playhouse Youth Ensemble.

A typical summer contract lasts between 6 to 10 weeks, starting in late May and continuing until mid-August. Occasionally, we may hire set and costume designers for shorter contracts as well.

Actor contracts can vary in length, covering a single show for 3 to 4 weeks or consecutive shows for 6 to 9 weeks. Some productions require actors to sign back-to-back contracts, meaning they will rehearse one show during the day and perform another in the evening. Additionally, some actors may sign longer contracts depending on the specific production and their availability.

There is nothing “typical” about a day in summer stock. The company generally begins its day at 9:00 AM. Each department has a designated lunch break, typically scheduled between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Work usually pauses around 6:00 PM for a dinner break. After dinner, there’s a break, and depending on your department, you may either return to work or prepare for evening performances or work calls. Then, the cycle repeats the next day.

Tech/designers: can be a 9 am call and work to 6 pm during the building cycle. During tech the days get longer. You will be on set from 9-12, and pending your position, you will be in tech rehearsal from 1 – end of day (10 to 11) 

The interns, admin, tech, and design staff will have one day off a week, generally either Sunday or Monday, depending on the performance schedule or change-over schedule. Stage Managers and Box Office will alter days between Monday and Tuesday. Each department reserves the right to modify the schedule depending on the show’s progress.

Each show rehearses for approximately 10 to 12 days, typically starting on a Sunday or Monday. During the first week, we focus on putting the show together, and tech week begins the following Monday. The actors have a 24-hour rest period before tech week, typically on Sunday, unless they have a performance, in which case it switches to Monday.

Tech and Dress rehearsals are scheduled for Monday through Wednesday, previews occur on Thursday, followed by opening night on Friday, and the show closes the following Sunday. A typical run consists of nine performances, although some shows may run for three weeks. If contracted for back-to-back shows, the entire process restarts on the Sunday of the opening weekend. The schedule can vary from show to show and from year to year. After a three-week run, the production usually has a bit more time to rehearse, and staff will have additional downtime. Please note that this schedule is always subject to change.

On non-performance days, rehearsals are held from 9 AM to 6 PM. On performance days, the schedule shifts to 9 AM to 5 PM, followed by a dinner break before the call time. While we strive to avoid adding evening rehearsals during non-performance weeks, it may occur depending on the show’s difficulty and progress. Regardless of the duration, a back-to-back contract entails long working hours, so please accept any contract with this understanding.

We provide housing for staff in rented homes and a Millbrook Playhouse property on the Lock Haven University campus. Accommodations may vary year to year, but all are shared, and occupants must share a bedroom, with some exceptions based on the cast size.

Most housing is located in Clinton County, within a 5-15 minute drive of the theatre. We aim to offer quality housing, typically in older college-style homes with multiple bedrooms, one or two shared bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. The residents are responsible for keeping their rooms and common areas clean.

You are welcome to bring your own car. Some of the housing options are within walking distance of the Playhouse. While we cannot guarantee transportation on-site, we will do our best to help shuttle individuals to and from housing if you are not within walking distance and do not have a car.

In general, we provide bus transportation reimbursement to and from NYC and Philly areas only. Some exceptions can be made pending contracts and available transportation hubs.

As of 2/1/22, we are not planning in-person auditions in NYC or Philly. It is subject to change, so please check back for updates.

As of 2/1/22, we are not planning in-person auditions in NYC or Philly. It is subject to change, so please check back for updates.

We have cast from video submissions, there will be specific instructions on what and how to be considered for the season. 

We are a non-union company, therefore cannot give Equity points.

You can submit a resume, cover letter, and three references. For designers, you must submit work samples. Don’t worry if you do not have a complete portfolio; Millbrook is a great place to gain experience as a designer. You are welcome to show rendering or sample projects.

Submit a resume, cover letter, and references. We hire interns to specialize in one department, i.e., props, costumes, lighting, company management, etc. Often tech interns will float from department to department; some even end up on stage from time to time!

See how to submit for the season on the casting page.

In non-COVID years, the best way is to attend one of our auditions in person. You can also submit a video audition. Interns can get cast in supporting and sometimes lead roles. You will do publicity performances, courtyard cabarets, Saturday morning kids’ shows. You will be required to do minor tech work, front of the house, and admin duties.

Yes, everyone, no exceptions! We will not assign you to anything you are uncomfortable with, but it’s a great way to learn a new skill. And there is always sweeping to do.